BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed has claimed that opportunistic political parties oppose direct elections, instead favoring the Proportional Representation (PR) voting system, which the public does not understand. He described Sheikh Hasina’s rule as “the darkest chapter in the country’s political history,” accusing her of staging three sham elections to remain in power. Hafizuddin said BNP supports the traditional system through which the public has long chosen its representatives.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas has accused certain political parties of conspiring with India to prevent elections in Bangladesh. He said the interim government has worsened the country’s overall situation, claiming “Sheikh Hasina ruined the country, and this government has destroyed it even further.” Abbas alleged that BNP is being unjustly implicated in incidents of unrest. He promised that under a BNP government, martyrs of mass uprisings would receive due honor, and injured protesters would be supported. “People want an elected government. Elections and judicial proceedings can take place simultaneously, but not all members of the interim government are honest,” he said.

Two bodies have been recovered after a fishing trawler sank at Chattogram port’s outer anchorage, leaving eight fishermen missing. Locals found the bodies near Patenga’s 18 No. Jetty on Saturday evening before police arrived. Authorities have yet to identify the deceased. The trawler, Anika, left Chattogram’s Fishery Ghat on Thursday morning with 19 fishermen but was struck from behind by another vessel, causing it to sink. Eleven crew members managed to escape on a nearby boat, while eight remained missing.

Three UK-based companies controlled by former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, with combined assets of Tk 2,318 crore, are on the brink of bankruptcy, according to British outlet BizNow. On July 29, accounting firm Grant Thornton was appointed as administrator for ZTS Properties Ltd, RukhMila Properties Ltd, and New Ventures Ltd. Chowdhury faces allegations of money laundering and large-scale corruption. Earlier this year, administrators were also appointed to three other companies under his control, with combined assets worth £29 million, now in the process of being sold. UK authorities have already seized assets worth £170 million from his estimated $500 million property portfolio.

In the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, Bangladeshi expatriates will, for the first time, be able to vote using postal ballots featuring candidate symbols. The ballots will be sent abroad before finalizing candidate lists, displaying reserved symbols for registered parties and an additional ten symbols for independent candidates. Expatriates will have three weeks to register to vote. Critics warn that if a party does not field a candidate, its symbol will still appear, potentially causing confusion. Election experts, including Jesmin Tuli, have suggested amending the law to allow at least 30 days between finalizing nominations and voting to ensure ballots reach expatriates in time.

A discussion meeting at the Natore District Council auditorium descended into chaos when members of the “July Warriors” could not find designated seating, despite the presence of advisor Asif Mahmud. The disruption occurred shortly after noon when Mahmud arrived following a stadium inauguration. Without reserved seats, the July Warriors stood until tensions escalated, prompting intervention from officials who eventually arranged seating. Meanwhile, BNP district leaders boycotted the event, alleging they were obstructed by DB police at the entrance — a claim police have denied.

SM Farhad, president of Dhaka University Islami Chhatra Shibir, has stated that the organization is not engaged in any political activities inside university dormitories. “We only conduct service-oriented programs in the halls. Students who wish to engage in politics can do so outside their residences,” he said. Farhad added that most of their political activities take place at TSC, Madhur Canteen, and other campus locations, and no party programs have been held in hall areas. He called on the university administration to formulate a written policy in consultation with all stakeholders to protect the rights of both those who wish to engage in politics and those who do not. “We cannot support or oppose declarations that lack clear definitions,” he remarked.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the July Revolution was never meant to benefit corrupt opportunists. “A plundering class cannot be allowed to seize this country again and exploit it,” he stated, urging vigilance to ensure that the sacrifices of students and citizens who gave their lives are never betrayed.
Speaking at a memorial event for the late leader Abdul Matin Chowdhury, Moin Khan criticized those responsible for past injustices, saying they have shown no remorse and are now daydreaming of returning to power with foreign backing. “That dream will never come true,” he asserted.
He accused a ruling family of establishing dynastic rule under the banner of the Liberation War’s spirit, undermining democracy, and engaging in corruption and money laundering. Praising Abdul Matin Chowdhury as the “visionary of modern Rupganj,” Moin Khan pledged to name a bridge built during his tenure after him. He also expressed hope for a free and fair national election before the upcoming Ramadan.

Government Adviser Asif Mahmud has said that the government is working sincerely to improve opportunities for the nation’s youth. He noted that an Entrepreneur Development Policy has been formulated, and the Youth Loan Policy is being updated to meet current needs.
While inaugurating a mini stadium, Mahmud highlighted initiatives to reduce youth unemployment through job creation, modern technology-based training—including world-class AI technology—and building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. A task force has also been formed to coordinate these efforts.
“So far, about 150 upazila mini stadiums have been inaugurated across the country,” he said, adding that a decentralization policy in the sports sector is being implemented. Each mini stadium features a three-story pavilion building, three general galleries with five tiers, and separate toilet facilities for men and women.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has announced that a new Mosque Management Policy has been finalized and will soon be published in the government gazette. Speaking at the National Conference of the Shane Sahaba National Khatib Foundation, he said the policy will ensure mosque committees operate free from political influence, while empowering imams and khatibs to help resolve community issues.
The adviser also noted that the policy will establish organized and efficient mosque management nationwide. He further revealed that the government has allocated Tk 190 crore for the renovation of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, focusing on aesthetic improvements and repairs while preserving its original structure. “In the new Bangladesh, there will no longer be room for belittling imams and khatibs,” he said. Later, foundation leaders presented him with an 11-point demand, including an increase in salaries and benefits.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Professor Dr. ATM Farid Uddin and a team of physicians who have been treating Begum Khaleda Zia for the past eight years. Speaking at the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) conference, Tarique said, “As Khaleda Zia’s son and a family member who could not be by her side during this time, I sincerely thank these doctors from the bottom of my heart.”
He also acknowledged the medical services DAB members have provided over the years, not only to political activists from the BNP and other parties but also to ordinary citizens who were physically attacked or injured for protesting injustice. Tarique extended thanks to these doctors and urged their cooperation in implementing BNP’s 31-point reform agenda.

Police have arrested Dr. Dipu Moni’s nephew, expelled Awami League leader Riaz Uddin, along with three suspected human traffickers while they were attempting to cross into India illegally through the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. The arrested traffickers were identified as Riaz, Foyez, and Miraz.
Local residents became suspicious when they saw Riaz Uddin traveling by motorcycle along a remote dirt road in the early hours of Saturday. They intercepted the group and handed them over to police.
Riaz Uddin claimed that the traffickers had held him for three days, taking 360,000 taka and his ATM card. Locals said Riaz had previously been injured in BSF gunfire.

Neela Israfel has alleged that during her admission to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, her consent was not sought, and the admission form falsely listed NCP leader Sarwar Tushar’s name as her husband instead of the correct information. Neela stated, “This is not a ‘mistake’—it is legal forgery.” Citing Sections 468 and 471 of the Penal Code, she said creating or using falsified documents intended as evidence is a punishable offense. She also pointed out that under the ICT Act, altering someone’s personal information without consent is a crime. Neela emphasized that this act violated her human rights under Articles 3, 5, 12, and 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, undermining her dignity, privacy, and legal security. She warned that such false information in hospital records could be used against her in the future, jeopardizing her social and legal safety. She demanded the maximum legal action against those responsible and the immediate restoration of her correct personal details.

Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has been elected Chairman, and A.B.M. Ruhul Amin Hawlader has been appointed Secretary General of a faction of the Jatiya Party. Additionally, Kazi Firoz Rashid has been elected Senior Co-Chairman, while Md. Mujibul Haque Chunnu has been chosen as Executive Chairman. They were elected through voice votes by nearly 3,000 councilors from across the country during the faction’s 10th National Council. Earlier in the day, the council was inaugurated with the national and party anthems. Anwar Hossain Manju, Chairman of Jatiya Party-JP, addressed the gathering as the chief guest.

AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad and other leaders visited Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who is currently undergoing treatment at United Hospital. They met him Friday evening and prayed for his recovery.
In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami confirmed the visit and expressed gratitude to the AB Party leaders for their concern.